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The sugarcane crushing stage is one of the most important technologies being developed at the moment. In this paper, the control of the multiple-stage evaporation system was addressed, as it is a crucial stage in the first- and second-generation ethanol production from sugarcane. A neural network model was proposed based on a dynamic phenomenological model developed in EMSO (Environment for Modeling, Simulation and Optimization). The phenomenological model was used to build a neural network prediction model for an MPC (Model Predictive Control) scheme using a DMC (Dynamic Matrix Control) algorithm. Simulations were carried out to evaluate the performance for tracking the set-point. Also, disturbance rejection tests were performed, considering different step disturbances. The analysis demonstrated that the MPC scheme performed well in the tests and showed superiority when compared to classical PID controllers.

não se aplica

Transtornos Alimentares (TA) consistem em doenças de causa multifatorial, envolvendo fatores psicológicos, biológicos e socioculturais. A alta carga de estresse e cobranças do ambiente esportivo podem facilitar a ocorrência desses transtornos em atletas, causando prejuízos à saúde e à performance. Este estudo teve como objetivos avaliar o risco de desenvolvimento de TA, o perfil de consumo dietético e a composição corporal de atletas e esportistas. Apresentou delineamento transversal, análise descritiva, amostragem não probabilística por conveniência, constituída por 35 homens e nove mulheres. Para avaliar o risco de TA, utilizou-se o questionário Eating Atitudes Test (EAT-26) e para avaliação do consumo dietético, aplicou-se o Recordatório de 24 horas. Foram aferidos peso, estatura, pregas cutâneas e circunferências. O cálculo do percentual de gordura corporal foi realizado seguindo protocolo, com somatório de sete pregas. Foi considerado nível de significância de 5%. Verificou-se que 4,5% (n=2) da amostra apresentou risco para TA. A média de consumo de carboidratos foi de 5,4 g/kg/dia, de proteínas 1,9 g/kg/dia e de lipídios 1,1 g/kg/dia. O consumo energético médio (2.453,62 ± 802,68 kcal/dia) foi inferior ao recomendado. Verificou-se 61,4% da amostra (n=27) com percentual de gordura corporal classificado entre “adequado”, “bom” e “excelente”, e 4,5% (n=2) “ruim” e “muito ruim”. Conclui-se que a maioria dos participantes apresentou baixo risco para TA, adequado estado nutricional, consumo alimentar com déficit energético e distribuição de macronutrientes desbalanceada. Após intervenções nutricionais, tais inadequações foram ajustadas, possibilitando a otimização do desempenho físico.

Introdução: A monitorização glicêmica é uma estratégia que promove a educação para o autocuidado apoiado e a participação efetiva do indivíduo suscetível ou portador de diabetes mellitus. Objetivo: Avaliar o custo, a eficácia e a satisfação dos atores de programa de monitorização glicêmica domiciliar. Método: Estudo de método misto sequencial, no período de 2019 a 2021. Nas etapas 1 e 2 (“QUAN”), realizou-se estudo de microcusteio e foram analisados os resultados do programa por análise documental, identificando a frequência absoluta e relativa das variáveis dependentes e independentes, sendo calculados a média e o desvio padrão. Na etapa 3 (“qual”), foram avaliadas as potencialidades e fragilidades do programa. Na análise foram conectados os dados “QUAN” e “qual”. Resultados: O custo mensal do paciente que recebeu 50 e 100 unidades de insumos foi de R$89,89 (U$17,29) e de R$147,99 (U$28,46), respectivamente. Foram avaliados 659 pacientes, com redução de 0,84% na hemoglobina glicada e redução de 23,29 mg/dl na glicemia de jejum. Como potencialidades destaca-se a disponibilização gratuita de insumos; auxílio no manejo terapêutico; desenvolvimento da habilidade para o autocuidado; e estabelecimento de diretriz/protocolo para distribuição dos insumos. E, como fragilidades: burocracia e rigor no controle e distribuição dos insumos; dificuldade de compreensão e adesão correta ao monitoramento da glicemia; falta de equipe multiprofissional ampliada no atendimento; e necessidade de melhorias tecnológicas para análise e monitoramento dos resultados. Conclusão: Os custos referentes ao programa podem ser um investimento positivo, demonstrado pela satisfação dos atores, que apresentou equilíbrio entre potencialidades e fragilidades.

Objetivo: Correlacionar as potências máximas (PMáx) obtidas pelos testes Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) e Salto Vertical Contramovimento (CMJ) em atletas adultos do futebol. Materiais e Métodos: Quarenta e sete atletas profissionais de futebol (25.5 ± 4.4 anos, 79.4 ± 7.8 kg e 180.0 ± 6.0 cm) participaram deste estudo. O RAST consistiu em seis corridas com a máxima velocidade e com intervalo de 10 segundos entre elas, sendo que o tempo foi obtido por meio de fotocélulas. O CMJ foi realizado sobre um tapete de contato. Os testes foram aplicados em dois momentos distintos, com intervalo de 48 h entre eles, consequentemente a aquecimento físico de cinco minutos. Foi aplicado o teste de correlação de Pearson para avaliar a associação entre as PMáx obtidas pelos dois testes físicos com índice de significância para p

Objetivou-se avaliar composição corporal, consumo alimentar e hidratação de ciclistas atendidos no projeto NUTRES da UFMS. Estudo transversal, composto por 19 atletas de ciclismo, de ambos os sexos. Avaliou-se dados sociodemográficos, antropométricos, ingestão alimentar e hídrica. Massa corporal, estatura, circunferências e dobras cutâneas foram mensuradas. Determinou-se Percentual de Gordura Corporal (%GC), Massa de Gordura (MG) e Massa Livre de Gordura (MLG). Consumo foi determinado pelo Recordatório de 24 horas e comparado com valores mínimos de recomendações nacionais e internacionais. Os ciclistas apresentaram médias de 35,63 anos, peso 71,78kg e estatura 1,67 metros (m), maioria praticantes da modalidade estrada, casado, com ensino médio e superior completo, raça branca e renda superior a 5 salários-mínimos. As médias obtidas de circunferência de braço e circunferência muscular do braço foram classificadas em eutróficas, circunferência da cintura normal, %GC 21,84% e MLG 56,43 kg. Em comparação com a Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte (2009), o consumo de energia, proteína e lipídios para ambos os sexos foi superior aos valores mínimos e de carboidratos insuficiente para o sexo feminino. Pela International Society of Sports Nutrition (2018), verificou-se consumo de carboidratos, proteínas e lipídios superior aos valores mínimos para ambos os sexos e energia insuficiente para o sexo feminino. Houve predominância de consumo de 1,5 a 2 L de água diariamente e intra-treino médio de 1,27 L. Assim, os ciclistas obtiveram composição corporal e ingestão hídrica satisfatórias e consumo alimentar insuficiente para carboidratos e energia e acima das recomendações mínimas para proteínas e lipídios.

Abstract Background Understanding which strategies have been recommended for the promotion of active and healthy lifestyles through physical education (PE) classes can guide PE policies and practice. Therefore, we summarized worldwide recommendations regarding strategies for PE classes that have aimed to promote active and healthy lifestyles among school-aged children and adolescents. Methods The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines were utilized. A literature search was carried out in June 2020 in eight peer-reviewed literature databases, in addition to searches in institutional and personal libraries. The eligibility criteria included any online document that included recommendations targeting any dimension of PE classes (e.g., policy and environment, curriculum, appropriate instruction, student assessment, and strategies that interact with PE) published since 2000. Results In total, 2,408 potentially eligible documents were screened. Of these, 63 were included in the final analysis. The recommended strategies were as follows: six referred to policy and environment (valuing PE, higher frequency and duration of classes, inclusive PE classes, mandatory daily classes, evaluation of PE classes, and qualified teachers), five to curriculum (structure, type of content, cross-cutting themes, and components that improve PE classes), four to appropriate instruction (promotion of physical activities, inclusion of social issues, employment of the use of innovative technologies, and organization of the teaching–learning process), and three to student assessment (understanding human movement concepts, evaluation of contents, and assessment methods to develop an active and healthy lifestyle). Conclusion Twenty-one strategies recommended for PE classes linked to five dimensions aimed at different target populations were identified. Over half were linked to the dimensions of policy and environment and appropriate instruction. PE is recommended to be mandatory and valued at all educational levels, with weekly frequency that contributes to an active and healthy lifestyle. This review shows that guaranteeing different experiences beyond sports, improving social inclusion, using innovative technologies, and providing adequate materials and spaces to be important challenges and ways to guide policies, programs, and new research in this field of knowledge. Open Science Framework Registration: https://osf.io/harwq/

Abstract Epidermal photoaging contributes to skin fragility over time and it is a risk factor for skin cancer. Photoaging has been associated for a long time with exposure to Ultraviolet-A (UVA) light, the predominant component of the solar ultraviolet radiation. While the cellular mechanisms underlying UVA-induced photoaging in the dermis have been well characterized, UVA’s action on the epidermis remains elusive. Here, proteomic analysis was conducted to derive the cellular responses induced by an environmentally relevant dose of UVA in primary human keratinocytes. We also investigated the effects of UVA on non-transformed immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT cells), bearing potentially oncogenic mutations. We showed that UVA induces proteome remodeling and senescence in primary keratinocytes, eliciting potent antioxidant and pro-inflammatory responses. Additionally, we showed that UVA modulates the secretory phenotype of these cells to the extent of inducing paracrine oxidative stress and immune system activation in pre-malignant keratinocytes. These observations offer insights into the cellular mechanisms by which UVA drives photoaging in the skin.

With the recent development of machine learning, reinforcement learning is an interesting alternative to PID controllers. In this context, a discrete predictive Q-learning approach is applied in the control of a sugarcane biorefinery multiple-effect evaporation system. The algorithm is built using Scilab and learns to control the multiple-effect evaporator outlet concentration by manipulating its feed steam flow rate. Based on multiple episodes, the state-actions that consist of discrete changes in steam flow rate are chosen with a greedy algorithm. In order to increase the training efficiency and overcome the large dead time of the system, a neural network is applied to predict the outlet concentration of each control action after reaching the steady-state. The control policy was built and tested through simulations on a phenomenological model. The controller performance was evaluated in set-point tracking and disturbance rejection tests and compared with PID responses. The research showed that the Q-learning controller exhibited better performance than the PID controller.

AimsCOVID-19 has dramatically impacted the healthcare system. Evidence from previous studies suggests a decline in in-hospital admissions for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) during the pandemic. However, the effect of the pandemic on mechanical complications (MC) in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has not been comprehensively investigated. Therefore, we evaluated the impact of the pandemic on MC and in-hospital outcomes in STEMI during the second wave, in which there was a huge SARS-CoV-2 diffusion in Italy.Methods and resultsBased on a single center cohort of AMI patients admitted with STEMI between February 1, 2019, and February 28, 2021, we compared the characteristics and outcomes of STEMI patients treated during the pandemic vs. those treated before the pandemic. In total, 479 STEMI patients were included, of which 64.5% were during the pandemic. Relative to before the pandemic, primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) declined (87.7 vs. 94.7%, p = 0.014) during the pandemic. Compared to those admitted before the pandemic (10/2019 to 2/2020), STEMI patients admitted during the second wave (10/2020 to 2/2021) presented with a symptom onset-to-door time greater than 24 h (26.1 vs. 10.3%, p = 0.009) and a reduction of primary PCI (85.2 vs. 97.1%, p = 0.009). MC occurred more often in patients admitted during the second wave of the pandemic than in those admitted before the pandemic (7.0 vs. 0.0%, p = 0.032). In-hospital mortality increased during the second wave (10.6 vs. 2.9%, p = 0.058).ConclusionAlthough the experience gained during the first wave and a more advanced hub-and-spoke system for cardiovascular emergencies persists, late hospitalizations and a high incidence of mechanical complications in STEMI were observed even in the second wave.

Background: Tofacitinib (TOFA) was the first Janus kinase inhibitor (JAKi) to be approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, data on the retention rate of TOFA therapy are still far from definitive. Objective: The goal of this study is to add new real-world data on the TOFA retention rate in a cohort of RA patients followed for a long period of time. Methods: A multicenter retrospective study of RA subjects treated with TOFA as monotherapy or in combination with conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) was conducted in 23 Italian tertiary rheumatology centers. The study considered a treatment period of up to 48 months for all included patients. The TOFA retention rate was assessed with the Kaplan–Meier method. Hazard ratios (HRs) for TOFA discontinuation were obtained using Cox regression analysis. Results: We enrolled a total of 213 patients. Data analysis revealed that the TOFA retention rate was 86.5% (95% CI: 81.8–91.5%) at month 12, 78.8% (95% CI: 78.8–85.2%) at month 24, 63.8% (95% CI: 55.1–73.8%) at month 36, and 59.9% (95% CI: 55.1–73.8%) at month 48 after starting treatment. None of the factors analyzed, including the number of previous treatments received, disease activity or duration, presence of rheumatoid factor and/or anti-citrullinated protein antibody, and presence of comorbidities, were predictive of the TOFA retention rate. Safety data were comparable to those reported in the registration studies. Conclusions: TOFA demonstrated a long retention rate in RA in a real-world setting. This result, together with the safety data obtained, underscores that TOFA is a viable alternative for patients who have failed treatment with csDMARD and/or biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs). Further large, long-term observational studies are urgently needed to confirm these results.

ABSTRACT Skin biopsy with investigation of small-diameter nerve fibers in human epidermis and dermis has been proven to be a useful method for confirming small-fiber neuropathy. In medical practice, small-fiber neuropathy is increasingly recognized as a leading cause of neuropathic pain. It is a prevalent complaint in medical offices, brought by patients often as a “painful burning sensation”. The prevalence of neuropathic pain is high in small-fiber neuropathies of different etiologies, especially in the elderly; 7% of population in this age group present peripheral neuropathy. Pain and paresthesia are symptoms which might cause disability and impair quality of life of patients. The early detection of small-fiber neuropathy can contribute to reducing unhealthy lifestyles, associated to higher incidence of the disease.

Heat exchanger networks (HENs) are a widely studied subject. These systems may undergo important variations in their operating conditions. Such uncertainties lead networks to require some degrees of flexibility. An efficient approach to address such uncertainties is the development of multiperiod solutions. However, these are difficult to develop since one must synthesize a network that is simultaneously feasible under a given number of conditions. This work presents a method based on pinch insights and a hybrid meta-heuristic. It employs the “spaghetti” network concept as initial estimations for single-period networks, which are refined and merged in a single solution that is able to operate under multiple period conditions. The merged solution is refined as well with a multiperiod HEN model, and a final multiperiod network is achieved. The method was able to outperform previous literature regarding total annual costs (TAC) for the multiperiod HEN developed. The case study approached is one of the largest multiperiod cases for HEN synthesis in the literature (15 streams, 4 periods). The obtained solution has TAC 3.5% lower than the literature solutions.

Summary: The effects of UV light on the skin have been extensively investigated. However, systematic information about how the exposure to ultraviolet-A (UVA) light, the least energetic but the most abundant UV radiation reaching the Earth, shapes the subcellular organization of proteins is lacking. Using subcellular fractionation, mass-spectrometry-based proteomics, machine learning algorithms, immunofluorescence, and functional assays, we mapped the subcellular reorganization of the proteome of human keratinocytes in response to UVA light. Our workflow quantified and assigned subcellular localization for over 1,600 proteins, of which about 200 were found to redistribute upon UVA exposure. Reorganization of the proteome affected modulators of signaling pathways, cellular metabolism, and DNA damage response. Strikingly, mitochondria were identified as one of the main targets of UVA-induced stress. Further investigation demonstrated that UVA induces mitochondrial fragmentation, up-regulates redox-responsive proteins, and attenuates respiratory rates. These observations emphasize the role of this radiation as a potent metabolic stressor in the skin.

Background: Glycemic Index (GI) and Glycemic Load (GL) have been used as tools for choosing diet as a health reference, and especially for athletes, with the purpose of improving physical performance. However, little is known about the GI and GL in the diet of athletes from different sports. Aim: Investigate the GI and GL in the diet of Brazilian athletes. Methods: Cross sectional study conducted with 113 athletes (18.4 ± 6.6 years, 22.3 ± 3.2kg/m2, 13.6 ± 7.0 % body fat, and 12.0 ± 6.9 hours of weekly training). Bioelectrical impedance was used to assess percentage body fat and anthropometric measurements were evaluated. Food consumption was assessed through the 24-hour dietary recall, GI and GL were calculated based on previously established procedures. The Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used for statistical analysis. Results: There was no statistical difference in training volume, macronutrient intake, total calories, GI among men and women (P > 0.05). The GL was lower in women´s diets and was different among sports. High GL diets presented lower percentage of body fat than moderate GL (P< 0.05). Conclusion: The majority of the athletes presented a diet with a low GI and high GL. Differences were found between GL classification and modalities and body fat. Further studies are required to better elucidate the effects of these dietary glycemic properties on body composition and physical performance.

The divided wall column (DWC) can achieve sharp separations of three or more components in a single shell, substituting conventional sequences of two or more binary distillation columns, with lower expenses. Despite these advantages, DWC models are not available in commercial chemical process simulators. To simulate DWC, users must employ instances of conventional column model and couple them in different configurations. In this paper, a DWC model was developed in EMSO (Environment for Modeling, Simulation and Optimization). DWC model was then used for simulating the separation of an equimolar mixture of three hydrocarbons. Results show that, depending on the number of trays, DWC presented energy savings compared to two ordinary distillation columns. Better separation was obtained when the number of divided trays was close to half the number of total trays. However, the liquid and vapor flow rates split into the divided section play a key role in the separation.

Abstract Background Multiple surgical techniques exist for the repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRD). Suprachoroidal buckling (SCB), consisting of injecting viscoelastic material in the suprachoroidal space to allow chorioretinal apposition, has been recently described in the repair of RRD. The aim of this study is to report the complications of SCB and to propose measures to decrease their incidence during the learning curve. Methods A total of 26 eyes of 26 patients who underwent a SCB procedure for the management of RRD secondary to a single or multiple retinal breaks were enrolled. Patients were operated between January 2014 and March 2017 at two academic institutions. Patient and retinal detachment characteristics were obtained from the charts. Surgical videos were reviewed for every case and intraoperative complications were recorded. Complications observed postoperatively were obtained from the charts. Results Sixteen eyes (62%) underwent SCB alone, 5 eyes (19%) underwent additional gas tamponade and 5 eyes (19%) had combined pars plana vitrectomy. The most common complication was hemorrhage (6 cases, 23%). There were no cases of ischemic choroidal changes or hyperpigmentation at the edge of the dome. All six complications occurred in phakic patients who had inferior RRD with retinal breaks in the inferior quadrants. Isolated subretinal hemorrhage occurred in 4 patients and isolated suprachoroidal hemorrhage in 1 patient, and those did not affect final visual outcome. Extensive combined subretinal and suprachoroidal hemorrhage occurred in one case, and was complicated by phthisis bulbi. Re-detachment occurred in 4/6 (67%) of patients, and 5/6 (83%) of patients required a secondary procedure. Three out of 6 patients (50%) had at least 2 lines of visual acuity improvement. Conclusion SCB performed for RRD can be associated with hemorrhagic complications. The hemorrhages are usually self-limited but may occasionally result in severe visual compromise when involving the suprachoroidal space. Specific surgical measures need to be undertaken in order to decrease the likelihood of complications and further studies are needed to assess the safety and efficacy of this technique.

Progesterone (P4) plays a key role in pregnancy establishment and maintenance; during early pregnancy, P4 stimulates the production and release of uterine secretions necessary for conceptus growth prior to implantation; therefore, exogenous P4 supplementation may improve embryo development. This study evaluated the effects of supplementation during early pregnancy with long-acting injectable progesterone or altrenogest on embryonic characteristics of sows and gilts. Thus, a total of 32 sows and 16 gilts were used. On day 6 of pregnancy sows and gilts were allocated to one of the following groups: non-supplemented; supplemented with 20 mg of altrenogest, orally, from days 6 to 12 of pregnancy; supplemented with 2.15 mg/kg of long-acting injectable progesterone on day 6 of pregnancy. Animals were killed on day 28 of pregnancy, and ovulation rate, embryo survival, embryo weight, crown-to-rump length, uterine glandular epithelium and endometrial vascularization were assessed. Treatments had no effect on pregnancy rate, embryo survival or endometrial vascular density (P > 0.05). Non-supplemented gilts presented larger and heavier embryos compared to gilts from supplemented groups (P < 0.05). Sows in the altrenogest group presented larger and heavier embryos compared to non-supplemented sows and sows supplemented with long-acting injectable progesterone. In conclusion, supplementation of sows and gilts with progestagen from day 6 of pregnancy can be used as a means to improve embryo survival without deleterious effects.

The use of additives such as ractopamine (Rac) in pregnant sows during early-mid pregnancy is an alternative to increase foetal and progeny growth and development. However, Rac supplementation in finishing pigs can lead to behavioural and physiological changes similar to the typical stress responses. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with Rac in pregnant sows from day 25 to 50 of gestation (pre-hyperplastic stage) on piglet’s vitality, blood parameters, number, diameter and perimeter of muscle fibres in semitendinosus muscle and developmental characteristics of piglets at birth to weaning. Forty-one hybrid sows were divided into three dietary treatments: (1) control diet without Rac (control), (2) addition of 10 mg/kg of Rac (Rac10) and (3) addition of 20 mg/kg of Rac (Rac20). Higher numbers of low-vitality piglets (P

The use of altrenogest (ALT) supplementation for oestrous synchronization improves subsequent reproductive performance of gilts and sows. However, the causes of this improvement in reproductive performance after ALT treatment are not fully/clearly understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of ALT supplementation for oestrous synchronization in gilts on the endometrial glands and embryonic development characteristics at 28 days of pregnancy. Pregnant gilts were divided into two experimental treatments: Control (did not receive ALT; n = 9 gilts) and ALT (ALT feeding at 20 mg/day for 18 days; n = 9 gilts). At 28 days of pregnancy, six gilts from each treatment were slaughtered, and reproductive tracts were immediately evaluated. There was no statistical difference (P > 0.05) between treatments regarding ovulation rate, number of embryos, number of vital embryos and number of non-vital embryos. Embryo weight, length and embryonic vesicle weight were lower in ALT treatment compared with Control (P < 0.01), and it was lower in the cervical uterine region compared with apex uterine region, respectively (P < 0.05). Higher values of gland duct area, gland duct perimeter, percentage of the glandular area and total endometrial area were observed in ALT treatment compared with Control (P < 0.05). The use of ALT during 18 days for oestrous synchronization in gilts increased the gland duct area, perimeter and total endometrial area but did not increase the embryo number and embryo size at day 28 of pregnancy.

Optimal operation of integrated heat exchangers is a challenging task in the field of process control due to system nonlinearities, disturbances and adequate model identification. This paper describes the design of an advanced neural network predictive control (NNPC) applied to a heat exchanger network. A case study with two hot and one cold streams, through three counter-current heat exchangers is used to test the proposed strategy. A lumped dynamic model is built based on the concept of multi-cells topology (mixed tanks), where the hot and cold cells are connected by a wall element throughout the heat exchanger length. Each cell is assumed perfectly mixed and all physical properties are constant. A distributed behavior is achieved by increasing the number of cells. The main assumptions of the lumped model are constant temperature in each cell, heat exchanger volume and area equally distributed between cells and negligible heat loss to the environment. The predictive controller relies on a neural-based model of the plant that is used to identify the system and to predict future performance over a predefined horizon. Results were compared to a traditional controller, and the control performance was improved when compared to the Ziegler-Nichols tuning method.

Renewable diesel, or green diesel, is the biofuel with the fastest growing use in the world. Its use as a replacement for fossil diesel is important to reduce the impact of carbon emissions. Green diesel is formed by a mixture of hydrocarbons with a chemical composition similar to that of fossil fuel, making it a drop-in biofuel. Commercial processing employs hydrotreatment of vegetable oil, which, in addition to producing green diesel, can also be used to produce biofuel for aviation, bionaphtha and biopropane. The present paper proposes a model for the hydrotreatment of soybean oil for the production of green diesel. The process was simulated in Aspen Plus® v10; the decarboxylation, decarbonylation and hydrodeoxygenation reactions were carried out in a stoichiometric reactor in the presence of an NiMo/Al2O3 catalyst. In addition to the cracking reactions and fractionation, the fuels produced green diesel, aviation biofuel, and light gases. Brazilian soybean oil was used as the raw material to produce the green diesel. Sensitivity analyses were performed to adjust the best fractionation conditions, considering the composition of the product and the distillation column energy. The best results were chosen when the distillation column was configured with 22 stages, feed at stage 12 and reflux ratio equal to 0.8. The hydrogen/soybean oil ratio was 0.031. The energy used in the process was 1181 kW/h. More than 80% of the soybean oil was converted to renewable fuels, with approximately 65% to green diesel. In addition, a prediction of the simulated physical chemical properties was made and compared with the current Brazilian legislation for green diesel obtaining values within the established specifications. The ASTM D86 distillation curve was compared with simulated results from green diesel obtained from experimental data and fossil diesel. The experimental and simulated distillation curves agreed, showing only a small difference between curves up to 25% of recovered volume. This can be explained by the lighter components present in the experimental green diesel. The proposed simulation supported the potential of Brazilian soybean oil for the production of quality renewable fuels.

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a associação da autoeficácia de professores em práticas educacionais inclusivas com variáveis do contexto de ensino e características dos docentes. Participaram 193 professores da educação básica, sendo 77,72 % do sexo feminino e 22,28 % do sexo masculino de escolas particulares, confessionais e públicas estaduais localizadas nos municípios de Belém e Castanhal, Pará, Brasil. Foram aplicados os instrumentos de caracterização e a escala de eficácia de professores em práticas educacionais inclusivas. As técnicas de análise de dados foram a análise fatorial e a análise de correspondência. Dentre os resultados encontrados, verificaram-se as associações entre as variáveis investigadas, o que sugere que ao julgar a própria capacidade em práticas educacionais inclusivas, o professor considera alguns fatores presentes no contexto e em sua trajetória docente. Espera-se que este estudo possa contribuir com o estímulo a formação continuada de professores no contexto inclusivo.

IntroductionIn recent years, the new third-generation ultrathin bioresorbable-polymer sirolimus-eluting stent (BP-SES), characterized by some of the thinnest struts among commercially available devices (60–80 μm) and an amorphous silicon carbide coating, has been introduced for the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD). The present study aimed to assess different clinical outcomes and safety of this drug-eluting stent in male and female patients in a real-world setting.MethodsThe present study is a retrospective analysis including all patients treated with BP-SES between January 2017 and December 2019 at a single high-volume center. Follow-up data, including stress test results and clinical setting, were collected during outpatient visits or by telephone contact. Patients symptomatic for angina or with a positive stress test were addressed to CT scan/coronary angiogram. The main study outcome was target lesion failure (TLF), defined as a composite of cardiovascular death, target vessel myocardial infarction, or target lesion revascularization.ResultsOverall, 66 (15.9%) female and 349 (84.1%) male patients were included; women were older (median age 70 vs. 66, P = 0.003) and with a lower body mass index (BMI) (25.0 vs. 26.1, P = 0.010) compared to men, with no other relevant differences in baseline characteristics. Indication for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was acute coronary syndrome in 86 (20.7%) of the cases, with no significant differences between male and female patients. A total of 558 lesions were treated with BP-SES stents, 90 in women and 468 in men (1.36 vs. 1.34 lesions per patient, P = 0.83); cumulative stent length (33.6 vs. 38.4 mm, P = 0.078), and mean stent diameter (2.92 vs. 3.0 mm, P = 0.39) did not differ in women compared to men. Technical and clinical successes were achieved in all patients. Stent thrombosis (ST) occurred in 2 (0.5%) patients, both men. TLF occurred in 10 (2.9%) men and 2 (3.0%) women after a median follow-up of 402 days, without significant differences at log-rank analysis (2.34 events per 100 patient-years in men, 2.53 in women; P = 0.80).ConclusionUltrathin struts BP-SES showed to be a safe and effective option for the treatment of CAD in both women and men, with a very low ST rate and favorable long-term outcomes.